You want a course that draws on a long and highly distinguished tradition of political economy at The University of Manchester. You are interested in a unique, cross-disciplinary curriculum of study in political economy.
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You want a course that draws on a long and highly distinguished tradition of political economy at The University of Manchester

You are interested in a unique, cross-disciplinary curriculum of study in political economy

You would like to pursue your own particular interests in political economy through one of four distinct pathways

The MA in Political Economy programme at Manchester University offers a cross-disciplinary curriculum of study in political economy. The MA is housed in the Centre for the Study of Political Economy, which brings together the world-class research strengths in the field of political economy at Manchester University. The programme is taught from members across the Faculty of Humanities in the School of Social Sciences, the School of Environment and Development, and the Alliance Manchester Business School.

Each student will pursue their particular interests in political economy through one of four pathways:

Theoretical Political Economy

Political Economy of Society, Space and Environment

Political Economy of Finance, Business and Work

Political Economy of Development.

Each pathway offers courses drawn from across the different disciplines in the schools, offering the student a unique exposure to the full breadth of the field of political economy. The research route is an ESRC recognised 1 + 3 programme which offers training in both quantitative and qualitative research methods that prepare students for doctoral research.

Course Director: Professor John O'Neill

Email: John.F.O

Teaching and learning

IMPORTANT NOTE ON PART-TIME STUDY

Part-time students complete the full-time programme over two years. There are NO evening or weekend course units available on the part-time programme.

You must first check the schedule of the compulsory modules and then select your optional modules to suit your requirements.

Updated timetable information will be available from mid-August and you will have the opportunity to discuss your module choices during induction week with your Course Director

Course unit details

All students take a core module, Theoretical Approaches to Political Economy , which provides a thorough grounding in both classical and contemporary theories of political economy and introduces the basic concepts of the discipline. The student will also take at least one core module from their chosen pathway together with one other optional module from that pathway. The research route provides a foundation in research skills for students intending to go on to undertake a PhD in the area of political economy, or seeking employment requiring advanced research skills in the public, private or voluntary sector. Students will complete compulsory core research training units in Quantitative Research Methods , Qualitative Research , Philosophy of Politics and Dissertation Research Design . Taught units comprise two thirds of the programme. The remainder of the programme consists of a 12000-15000 word dissertation on a substantial issue in political economy.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: [email protected]

You want a course that draws on a long and highly distinguished tradition of political economy at The University of Manchester. You are interested in a unique, cross-disciplinary curriculum of study in political economy.
Read more…

You want a course that draws on a long and highly distinguished tradition of political economy at The University of Manchester

You are interested in a unique, cross-disciplinary curriculum of study in political economy

You would like to pursue your own particular interests in political economy through one of our distinct pathways

The MA in Political Economy programme at Manchester University offers a cross-disciplinary curriculum of study in political economy. The MA is housed in the Centre for the Study of Political Economy, which brings together the world-class research strengths in the field of political economy at Manchester University. The programme is taught from members across the Faculty of Humanities in the School of Social Sciences, the School of Environment and Development, and the Alliance Manchester Business School.

Each student will pursue their particular interests in political economy through one of four pathways:

Theoretical Political Economy

Political Economy of Society, Space and Environment

Political Economy of Finance, Business and Work

Political Economy of Development.

Each pathway offers courses drawn from across the different disciplines in the schools, offering the student an exposure to the full breadth of the field of political economy.

Course Director: Professor John O'Neil

Tel: +44 (0)161 275 4853

Email: John.F.O

Teaching and learning

IMPORTANT NOTE ON PART-TIME STUDY

Part-time students complete the full-time programme over two years. There are NO evening or weekend course units available on the part-time programme.

You must first check the schedule of the compulsory modules and then select your optional modules to suit your requirements.

Updated timetable information will be available from mid-August and you will have the opportunity to discuss your module choices during induction week with your Course Director

Course unit details

All students take a core module, Theoretical Approaches to Political Economy , which provides a thorough grounding in both classical and contemporary theories of political economy and introduces the basic concepts of the discipline. Students on the standard route will also take at least two core modules from their chosen pathway together with three other optional modules from that pathway. Students will also undertake research training units in Dissertation Research Design . Taught units comprise two thirds of the programme. The remainder of the programme consists of a 12000-15000 word dissertation on a substantial issue in political economy.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: [email protected]

The Political Economy of the Middle East MA is an interdisciplinary course that introduces students to political economy from a wide range of academic disciplines.
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The Political Economy of the Middle East MA is an interdisciplinary course that introduces students to political economy from a wide range of academic disciplines. The course has a strong emphasis on helping students think critically, creatively and effectively about promoting social justice, equality, democracy, sustainability and social change through political economy.

Key benefits

Unique in combining the study of political economy and Middle Eastern studies.

Enables you to analyse the political economy of the Middle East from a variety of different perspectives.

Provides a strong intellectual and methodological foundation for further research.

Develop your communication skills by presenting and disseminating research in written and oral forms, to classmates, tutors, and the wider academic community.

Vibrant research community, designated as a Centre of Excellence in Middle Eastern Studies.

Description

Issues of Political Economy in the Middle East are currently at the forefront of global media, policy and public discourses and there is a wide range of both governmental and nongovernmental organizations that will be looking for individuals with strong training in the area. The MA course Political Economy of the Middle East uses the Middle East as a vital arena to think through broader issues of the political economy and development, and conversely uses political economy as a substantive area of empirical and theoretical work through which to understand the Middle East.

Our course offers you an in-depth analysis of major scholarly debates in the political economy of the region through the required module Political Economy of the Middle East: Theory & Practice. It also allows you to pursue your own developing interests by choosing from a wide range of specialist modules.

This course is ideal for graduates with a degree in international relations, economics, politics, international political economy and Middle Eastern studies. We also welcome recent graduates from other disciplines in the humanities, the social sciences and law, as well as those from a professional background.

Course format and assessment

Teaching

For every 20-credit module, we will typically provide you with 20 hours of lectures and seminars (two hours of teaching per week), and we will expect you to undertake 180 hours of independent study. For your dissertation, we will provide you with a course in Dissertation Methods which totals 20 hours of contact spread over two terms and up to four hours of one-to-one supervision. You will typically undertake 586 hours of independent study and project work.

As part of their two-year schedule, part-time students typically take the required Political Economy of the Middle East: Theory & Practice module and two optional modules in Year 1, and two optional modules and the dissertation module in Year 2.

Assessment

We assess Political Economy of the Middle East: Theory & Practice through essay and class participation. You may also be assessed by essays, Q&As and class participation. The nature of assessment varies by module. Your dissertation will be a 10,000-word thesis on a topic of your choosing, and you may take it in the UK or overseas.

Career prospects

This course provides you with the enhanced skills and qualifications which will allow you to excel in future employment and research in an increasingly important field. Our students have transferred the skills they have developed to careers in development organisations, the corporate or financial sector, the diplomatic service, international NGOs, civil society organisations or journalism. Some students have gone on to further research in the Department of Middle Eastern Studies, or another department.

Who is it for?. The Global Political Economy MA will help you broaden your understanding of the complex contemporary global economic system and its socio-political relationships.
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Who is it for?

The Global Political Economy MA will help you broaden your understanding of the complex contemporary global economic system and its socio-political relationships. The course is designed for inquisitive students that want to develop a cutting-edge perspective on global economic and financial relations, inter-state competition, mechanisms of global governance and processes of transformation and change.

You don’t need any formal economics education for this course. Students come from a wide range of subject fields, including Politics, Law, Business Studies, Media Studies, the Humanities and more.

From global inequality and tax evasion to financial regulation and financial crises, the expertise that you develop on this advanced MA will enable you to pursue a wide range of rewarding career options in the public and private sectors.

Objectives

The Global Political Economy MA will help you:

Get an advanced specialist education in the field of global political economy.

Develop your analytical skills and the ability to examine and critically evaluate the complex structure of relationships between markets, governments, transnational actors and networks in the setting of the globalising economy.

Acquire an advanced conceptualisation of the problems of global capitalism in the

21st century.

Critically examine rapid economic change and its socio-political roots in the contemporary world.

Analyse and articulate your analysis of complex issues and debates to a high level.

Prepare for a diverse range of careers and develop contextual knowledge that will be applicable for life-long learning in a rapidly changing economic environment.

Teaching and learning

You will benefit from our internationally renowned expertise in the field of global political economy, exemplified by:

The leading academic staff who deliver the course.

The vibrant research culture at the City Political Economy Research Centre.

City’s central London location.

The MA in Global Political Economy is taught by internationally renowned, world-leading scholars in the field, including the next-generation of academics engaged in cutting-edge research. As a result, City boasts one of the UK’s best teams in the critical study of global finance.

Student activities

In many modules, you will be encouraged to give presentations. We use group discussions, brain-storming, role-play and mini-roundtables on thematic issues in addition to conventional teaching techniques.

As an MA student, you are also invited to attend PhD workshops organised by doctoral students in the Department.

Assessment

All modules are assessed through a written essay of 4,500 words.

In addition to coursework, you must complete a final MA dissertation of 15,000 words based on your independent research. The dissertation is worth one-third of the overall MA mark. The Global Political Economy MA dissertation is grounded in a specialised stream of the Research Design module (IPM111). During the module, you will receive specialised training in research methodology, tailored for your dissertation in the field of global political economy.

Modules

You will complete 180 credits in total.

The course consists of core modules on the history of global capitalism and contending approaches from across the political economy traditions. You will then develop specialist knowledge through elective modules, which cover issues such as economic and financial crises, international organisations and economic diplomacy, poverty and inequality, regionalisation and globalisation, states and sovereignty, and the rise of new economic powers.

You will take two core modules and a range of electives. Core modules are typically taught as a weekly one-hour lecture and one-hour tutorial, and optional modules as a weekly two-hour seminar session.

Teaching is supported by a personal tutorial and supervision system, as well as organised seminar series with outside speakers, both professional and academic.

Career prospects

This specialised MA degree will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to enter a range of careers related to the global political economy. It enables graduates both with and without prior knowledge of economics to engage competently and confidently with economic and financial developments and pursue professional careers in the public and private sectors, including:

Finance and banking.

Transnational corporations.

Civil service and international diplomacy.

The media.

Development agencies.

Should you want to take your academic studies further, the MA also provides you with a solid foundation to pursue doctoral research in politics and political economy.

International Politics Careers Day

During your MA year you are encouraged to attend the Department's International Politics Careers Day which explores career opportunities and provides:

Talks by speakers within the field (including City alumni). Previous speakers have included staff from the Department for International Development, the Ministry of Justice, UNESCO, the EU Commission and the UN Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO).

Talks by careers consultants and volunteering coordinators.

CV and application advice, and volunteering drop-in sessions with career professionals.

About the MSc programmes. The MSc in International Political Economy (IPE) offers a multidisciplinary perspective on international economic and power relations, essential to understanding an increasingly globalised world.
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About the MSc programmes

The MSc in International Political Economy (IPE) offers a multidisciplinary perspective on international economic and power relations, essential to understanding an increasingly globalised world.

The study of international political economy is the study of interactions between markets and politics; the influence of markets on politics and the influence of policy on markets. The core of IPE is international money and international finance, and there is a particular focus on the 2008 financial crisis, its causes and its consequences. Other central topics include international trade and investment, which looks at the drivers of market globalisation and factors which shape the flow of trade and investment, and the international political economy and the environment, specifically, what impedes a genuine agreement on climate change.

You may also be interested in the research stream of this programme, which is designed as a preparation for future research work. You do not need to decide whether you prefer the research stream or the non-research stream of this programme at the time that you apply – you can decide this when you submit your option choices in the Michaelmas term, normally in mid-October.

RESEARCH

The MSc International Political Economy (Research) offers a multidisciplinary perspective on international economic and power relations, essential to understanding an increasingly globalised world.

The study of international political economy is the study of interactions between markets and politics; the influence of markets on politics and the influence of policy on markets. The Research stream in particular is designed as a preparation for future research work if you are entering the field from another related discipline, or if you wish to focus particularly on methodological training.

The core focus of the programme is international money and international finance, and there is a particular focus on the 2008 financial crisis, its causes and its consequences. Other central topics include international trade and investment, which looks at the drivers of market globalisation and factors which shape the flow of trade and investment, and the international political economy and the environment, specifically, what impedes a genuine agreement on climate change.

You may also be interested in the non-research stream of this programme, which differs in its programme structure. You do not need to decide whether you prefer the research stream or the non-research stream of this programme at the time that you apply – you can decide this when you submit your option choices in the Michaelmas term, normally in mid-October. However please note this may impact your eligibility for ESRC funding.

Graduate destinations

The programme has provided excellent prospects for early-career graduates seeking entry to graduate programmes at top global firms, as well as for experienced graduates looking to reposition themselves for more senior roles. We have alumni in banking and financial journalism and in major consulting companies such as Ernst & Young, as well as in a wide range of governmental and non-governmental organisations throughout the world. A good number of our graduates also continue on to research degrees and the academic profession

Over the last three decades, political economy has been one of the fastest growing approaches in the social sciences. If you are interested in how institutions shape the behaviour of political actors and how political decisions influence markets and vice versa, then you will profit from our course.
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Over the last three decades, political economy has been one of the fastest growing approaches in the social sciences. If you are interested in how institutions shape the behaviour of political actors and how political decisions influence markets and vice versa, then you will profit from our course.

Our MRes Political Economy is a two-year course, designed to give you additional training in research design and research methods compared to an MSc or MA. You study modules on political economics and research methods across your two years, while developing a 35,000-word dissertation.

At Essex, we are primarily interested in the study of political institutions and how they might determine economic variables. Our MSc Political Economy covers all aspects of modern political economy, including: -Micro and macroeconomics -The quality of governance -Monetary policy choices -Mathematical Methods -Environmental policies -Market failure

Run jointly between our Department of Economics and our Department of Government, our MRes Political Economy offers excellent preparation for PhD study, combining substantive political economy modules with additional training in research design and research methods. You learn how to develop theories, conduct research, and explore the empirical implications of theoretical models using the most appropriate empirical methods.

Our Department of Government is one of the most prestigious in Europe, with an outstanding record of teaching, research and publication. We are rated top in the UK for research (REF 2014), and have consistently been the highest-rated politics department in the country since national assessments began. Ranked top 10 in the world for political science and international relations according to the Centre for World University Rankings (2017)

Our Department of Economics is top 5 in the UK for research, with over 90% of our research rated as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’.

Our expert staff

Study and work alongside some of the most prominent economists and political scientists of our time.

Our researchers are at the forefront of their field and have even received MBEs; they are advising the CIA on counter-terrorism, training politicians and civil servants in democratising countries, and commentating on political events in national and international media.

Many of our economic researchers also provide consultancy services to businesses in London and other major financial centres, helping us to develop research for today's society as well as informing our teaching for the future.

You join an active and prolific research team, with the opportunity to work alongside a member of staff on their research instead of completing a dissertation; some of these projects have even resulted in joint staff/student publications.

Specialist facilities

-Laboratories of networked computers featuring extensive software for political and quantitative analysis -ESSEXLab provides opportunities for experimental lab research -Student societies for politics, economics, debating, and Model UN -We organise the Essex Summer School in Social Science Data Analysis -A programme of seminars and events run by the department

Your future

An MRes puts you in a particularly strong position to succeed in a research degree. We offer supervision for PhD and MPhil in the following fields: government; ideology and discourse analysis; international relations; political behaviour; and politics.

Our academic reputation is illustrated by the fact that many of our graduates now teach or research at universities, colleges of higher education and schools. For example, recent graduates are now research fellows and academic staff at: Mannheim, Germany; ETH Zurich, Switzerland; Duke University, USA; NATO/SHAPE, Belgium; and University of Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Other recent graduates have gone on to work for the following high-profile organisations: -The Civil Service -Local government -The World Bank -The United Nations -NATO -YouGov and YouGov America

We also work with the university’s Employability and Careers Centre to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.

The MA in International Political Economy (IPE) concentrates on the critical comprehension, understanding, and analysis of developments in international political economy, in terms of its theories, issues and conflicts.
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The MA in International Political Economy (IPE) concentrates on the critical comprehension, understanding, and analysis of developments in international political economy, in terms of its theories, issues and conflicts. Students will be equipped with critical analytical insights into contemporary issues such as globalisation, trans-nationalisation, development, conflict and human rights. Competency will be developed in the critical theories of, and contemporary approaches to, international political economy.

On completing the programme students will have a deeper understanding of the historical evolution of different approaches to international political economy, and be able to apply these approaches to contemporary issues in international political economy. Students will apply the intellectual skills developed in the programme in the preparation and presentation of theoretical and/or applied analyses in the form of a dissertation.

Structure

Two Core Modules -Critical Theories of International Political Economy -Contemporary Issues in International Political Economy -And then four Option Modules from a range of subjects

During the Summer Term students start work on a dissertation on a topic of their choice. The dissertation is due for submission at the end of the summer vacation.

The MA in International Political Economy may also be taken on a part-time basis over two years (24 months).

This programme offers a combined competency in economics and politics, enriched with the study of law.
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This programme offers a combined competency in economics and politics, enriched with the study of law. Additionally, it allows for a specialisation in a subfield such as development, environmental policy, migration, conflict and security, political strategy and European public policy, and so equips you with cutting-edge qualifications.

The exposure you are given to policy practice at the international institutions based in Brussels - together with high-quality education - prepares you for a challenging and fulfilling career in international and domestic public policy, diplomacy, non-governmental organisations, as well as in the private sector.

- Extended programme The extended programme allows students the opportunity to study their subject in greater detail, choosing a wider range of modules, and also provides the opportunity to spend one term at the Canterbury campus. The extended programme is ideal for students who require extra credits, or would like to have more time to pursue an internship.

About the Brussels School of International Studies

The Brussels School of International Studies (BSIS) is a multidisciplinary postgraduate School of the University of Kent. We bring together the disciplines of politics, international relations, law and economics to provide in-depth analysis of international problems such as conflict, security, development, migration, the political economy and the legal basis of a changing world order.

We are a truly international School: our students are drawn from over 50 countries. The strong international composition of our staff and student body contributes significantly to the academic and social experience at BSIS. Being located in Brussels allows us to expose students to the working of major international organisations, such as the EU and NATO, and to the many international and non-governmental organisations based here. Students also have the opportunity to undertake an internship with one of these organisations.

Course structure

We are committed to offering flexible study options at the School and enable you to tailor your degree to meet your needs by offering start dates in September and January; full- and part-time study; split-site options, and allowing students to combine two fields of study leading to the award of a degree that reflects both disciplines.

Specialisations

The MA in International Political Economy allows students to choose secondary areas of specialisation from the range of programmes offered at BSIS (http://www.kent.ac.uk/brussels/studying/index.html). Thus, a focused programme of study can be constructed by studying International Political Economy in the context of International Relations; Conflict and Security; International Law and other subject areas we cover.

This leads to the award of an MA degree in, for example, 'International Political Economy with International Law'.

Standard and extended versions

The LLM is offered in both a standard version (90 ECTS credits) and an extended version (120 ECTS credits) and in each case students may take the programme with or without a secondary specialisation. Those on the extended version will take more modules to gain extra credit.

Programme aims

This programme aims to:

- provide you with a research-active teaching environment which gives you a good grounding in the study of study of social science in general and international political economy (IPE) in particular

- offer a critical perspective of the interplay between structures and actors in the global economy, political systems and processes, individuals and the institutions of civil society

- ensure that you acquire a solid understanding of methodologies for the study of social science in general, and in the application of those understandings to the study of international political economy in particular

- ensure that you acquire a solid understanding of major theoretical approaches to international political economy, the historical development of the contemporary global economy, and the application of theoretical and historical knowledge to the analysis and understanding of contemporary issues and cases in the field

- ensure that you acquire the necessary skills for advanced assessment of contemporary problems in IPE and their solutions

- develop you general research skills and personal skills (transferable skills).

Research areas

Our research interests span a broad spectrum of the discipline, with particular strengths in the fields of conflict analysis and resolution, political theory and European politics. The strength of the School’s research culture is reflected in the numerous books and articles published and in the existence of its three core research groups: Conflict, Security and Human Rights; Comparative Politics; and Political and Social Thought. We also host four University-recognised research centres: the Conflict Analysis Research Centre (CARC), the Global Europe Centre (GEC), the Centre for Critical Thought (CCT), and the Centre for Federal Studies (CFS).

All members of staff can supervise theses leading to research degrees. We encourage potential research students to refer to our postgraduate research handbook (pdf) for detailed information.

In 2011, the University successfully applied for ESRC recognition as a provider of doctoral training in political science and international studies (and other areas of the social sciences) as part of a consortium. As a result, we are now part of the South East ESRC Doctoral Training Centre, making us one of the key training outlets in our subject in the UK.

Careers

The School of Politics and International Relations has a dedicated Employability, Placements and Internships Officer who works with students to develop work-based placements in a range of organisations. Centrally, the Careers and Employability Service can help you plan for your future by providing one-to-one advice at any stage of your postgraduate studies.

Many students at our Brussels centre who undertake internships are offered contracts in Brussels immediately after graduation. Others have joined their home country’s diplomatic service, entered international organisations, or have chosen to undertake a ‘stage’ at the European Commission, or another EU institution.

Our graduates have gone on to careers in academia, local and national government and public relations.

Kent has an excellent record for postgraduate employment: over 94% of our postgraduate students who graduated in 2013 found a job or further study opportunity within six months.

Our International Political Economy MA is an opportunity to explore at an advanced level the main theoretical assumptions, issues and research areas of international political economy, global politics, political thought and international relations.
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Our International Political Economy MA is an opportunity to explore at an advanced level the main theoretical assumptions, issues and research areas of international political economy, global politics, political thought and international relations. It is one of the most international courses in its field in the UK, currently attracting students from over 30 countries, offering you a rich diversity of backgrounds and perspectives.

Key benefits

As an interdisciplinary course, this MA enables you to study international political economy from a variety of different perspectives.

European & International Studies staff contributed in a major way to King’s College being ranked first for research power in the field of Politics & International Relations in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework.

The Department provides a vibrant research community, designated as a Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence.

Through the internship module, this MA allows you to get a first-hand experience of the competitive job market in London.

Description

This course offers an in-depth analysis of the major scholarly debates in international political economy. We will give you an understanding of global issues from a variety of perspectives, including critical and heterodox. You will examine a wide range of interdisciplinary approaches on the required module – International Political Economy: Theory, Methods and Issues – and then choose from a wide range of specialist modules covering specific regions or issues to allow you to pursue your own interests in greater depth. We also offer you a credited internship module, offering first-hand working experience in London, which will enhance your employability as well as supporting your academic and intellectual development.

The course is ideally suited to anyone with a degree in International Relations, Economics, Politics, International Political Economy and European & International Studies. We also welcome recent graduates from other disciplines in the humanities, the social sciences and law, as well as those from a professional background, as more diversity will enrich your experience.

Course purpose

The programme is ideally suited to anyone with a degree in International Relations, Economics, Politics, International Political Economy and European & International Studies. We also welcome recent graduates from other disciplines in the humanities, the social sciences and law, as well as those from a professional background.

Course format and assessment

Teaching

You will have regular contact with our staff, who are world-leading experts in their fields, through lectures, seminars and supervision. You will typically have 6 hours per week (full time) or 2-4 hours per week (part time) teaching per 10-week term as well as 34 hours per week self-study. Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.

For the dissertation module, you will have six hours of dissertation supervision to complement self-study.

Assessment

You are assessed through a combination of coursework and examinations. The majority of European and International Studies modules are assessed by a 4,000-word essay, other optional modules may differ. The dissertation module is assessed by a 10,000 word essay.

Career prospects

Graduates have gone on to prestigious positions, including in UK government departments such as the Foreign Office; global governance bodies such as the World Bank and the United Nations; major financial institutions such as Credit Suisse and HSBC; consultancy firms such as Mckinsey & Co.; and lobbying groups within the European Commission. Overall our graduates have embarked on highly successful careers in the public and private sectors in the United Kingdom, the European continent, as well as further afield in countries ranging from Japan to the United States.

The Political Economy MA is a broadbased multidisciplinary course that will develop your critical understanding of the UK and global political and economic institutions.
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The Political Economy MA is a broadbased multidisciplinary course that will develop your critical understanding of the UK and global political and economic institutions. You will also acquire the theoretical skills necessary to engage with contemporary domestic and world affairs at an advanced level.

Key benefits

An interdisciplinary course utilising elements from the fields of politics, philosophy and economics.

Learn a wide range of theoretical approaches in political economy – both mainstream and heterodox.

Intensive study based on the relationship between institutional/empirical analysis and standards of ethical evaluation.

Located in the heart of London, the Department of Political Economy has a strong reputation for research-led teaching and links to industry.

Description

The Political Economy MA is an innovative course designed to provide you with an understanding of the theory necessary to engage in the interdisciplinary analysis of political economy. The course will also equip you with essential research, analytical and critical thinking skills.

The course is made up of optional and required modules. You must take modules totalling a minimum of 180 credits and a maximum of 210 credits to meet the requirements of the qualification, 60 credits will come from a dissertation of around 15,000 words. You will study Key Concepts in Contemporary Political Economy and in addition to completing a required 15,000-word dissertation, you will also choose further related modules to support your study interests

Course format and assessment

Teaching

We use lectures, seminars and group tutorials to deliver most of the modules on the course. You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study

Per 20-credit taught module, you can typically expect 20 hours of lectures, seminars and feedback. Each 20-credit module also has 180 hours worth of self-guided learning time.

For the dissertation module, you can expect at least eight dissertation workshops plus one-to-one dissertation consultations. In addition you will have 592 hours of worth of self-study and project work.

Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.

Assessment

The primary method of assessment for this course is a combination of written examinations and coursework. Typically, a 20-credit module will comprise of assessments, essays and a written examination. Grades awarded for each module will reflect your attendance and lecture participation. The assessment of the dissertation module will be by a 1,000-word research proposal (10 per cent) and a 15,000-word dissertation (90 per cent).

Career prospects

Studying a degree with the Department of Political Economy equips students with certain skills required in the public and private sectors, and for work in civil organisations. A typical postgraduate student will gain strong theoretical and empirical skills for the analysis of complex economic and political phenomena. These skills are highly valued in fields such as finance, consultancy, law and the civil service.

Today's global economy is changing faster than ever. To be understood fully, it needs to be considered from a variety of different angles bringing together knowledge and insights from multiple schools of thought across economics, politics and law.
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Today's global economy is changing faster than ever. To be understood fully, it needs to be considered from a variety of different angles bringing together knowledge and insights from multiple schools of thought across economics, politics and law.

Why are rich countries rich and poor countries poor? How is the global economy structured? Who are the most powerful players, and can China continue to be the engine of growth?

Delving into these important questions and many others, our MSc in Global Political Economy takes a uniquely interdisciplinary approach, to broaden and deepen your skills in policy negotiation, and equip you for a wide range of careers in international organisations, government and NGOs.

Course detail

Highly practical in nature, the Global Political Economy course places a strong emphasis on real world content, drawing on the extensive experience of our cross-department teaching staff. The economics department at UWE Bristol has become known as a leading centre for pluralist economics education, and many of our tutors advise governments and conduct research for major international institutions such as The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

We also bring in guest speakers to guide and support your learning, and you will have access to relevant events in and outside the Faculty and University, alongside focused employability support.

The course is particularly suited to those who have studied international relations, politics, economics, business or law at undergraduate level. It is also suitable for those with relevant professional experience, who wish to deepen their understanding of the theories, ideas and concepts underpinning the global political economy.

Modules

Core modules:

• The Rise of the Global Economy • The World Trade Organisation and the Global Trading System • The Rise of the BRICS in Global Trade • The Politics of Trade Negotiation • Dissertation

Format

The Global Political Economy course is delivered through a variety of teaching and learning activities, including lectures, tutor-led and student-led group discussions, seminars, projects, case studies, simulation games, and field trips to conferences. Teaching is based on research literature, professional experience and significant use of debate and discussion.

Assessment

Assessment comprises formal tutor assessment, informal tutor assessment and informal peer review and feedback. We will test your knowledge, and intellectual, subject-specific and transferable skills, through a combination of exams, essays, case studies, presentations, projects and simulation games. We will also test your skills informally through class interaction during work on current academic research, case studies, practical exercises and experiential exercises.

Careers / Further study

This MSc in Global Political Economy provides you with the interdisciplinary analytical tools to tackle the big issues that economies and societies face in an increasingly integrated global economy. You will be equipped with skills and knowledge to go into a wide range of careers in international organisations, government and NGOs.

Successful students may also want to continue in their studies to PhD level, in fields such as economics, development economics, politics, the political economy, development studies, and international studies.

How to apply

Funding

- New Postgraduate Master's loans for 2016/17 academic year –

The government are introducing a master’s loan scheme, whereby master’s students under 60 can access a loan of up to £10,000 as a contribution towards the cost of their study. This is part of the government’s long-term commitment to enhance support for postgraduate study.

Understand and have your say in the challenges that globalisation presents. From the sustainability of economic growth to the eradication of poverty, you will identify the impact of globalisation on the world around us.
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Understand and have your say in the challenges that globalisation presents. From the sustainability of economic growth to the eradication of poverty, you will identify the impact of globalisation on the world around us.

We will help you achieve an understanding of diverse issues such as the changing nature of international competition, trade, migration and global governance. You will expand your knowledge of modern political economy and explore global consumption as an engine of growth. You will debate the recent financial crisis, discussing how it began, the definition of crisis and how the world has responded.

You will gain an understanding of how international political economy differs from economics. As well as measuring economic growth, you will also understand its distribution of costs and benefits, together with its social, political and environmental impact.

This is an opportunity for you to embrace and interrogate aspects of politics, sociology, history, philosophy and geography in relation to economic globalisation.

- Research Excellence Framework 2014: our University demonstrated strength in five emerging areas of research which it entered into the assessment for the first time, including social work and social policy.

Mature Applicants

Our University welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. We usually require some evidence of recent academic study, for example completion of an access course, however recent relevant work experience may also be considered. Please note that for some of our professional courses all applicants will need to meet the specified entry criteria and in these cases work experience cannot be considered in lieu.

Please note that all applicants to our University are required to meet our standard English language requirement of GCSE grade C or equivalent, variations to this will be listed on the individual course entry requirements.

Careers

Employment opportunities are available in the UK and overseas working for Non Government Organisations, the public sector, international organisations and the media. Employers will value your ability to think and work independently and challenge conventional wisdom in order to solve complex problems. Our expert staff are well associated with many major organisations, which will benefit you when looking for a career in this field.

- Government Policy Advisor - Economist - Social Researcher

Careers advice: The dedicated Jobs and Careers team offers expert advice and a host of resources to help you choose and gain employment. Whether you're in your first or final year, you can speak to members of staff from our Careers Office who can offer you advice from writing a CV to searching for jobs.

Course Benefits

Our course is aimed at students who already work or have aspirations to pursue careers in campaigning organisations, internationally oriented Non-Governmental Organisations, international organisations and government departments, as well as graduates interested in further academic study.

Like all our courses, our MA incorporates employability, personal effectiveness and the development of research skills throughout our modules. You will also benefit from our links with relevant stakeholders and employers, and will have access to the diverse and research active teaching team drawn from across our University.

Core Modules

Political Economy of Crisis and Global Governance Explore the role of crisis in capitalist development, covering conceptual understandings of crisis as well as investigating several historical episodes of capitalist crisis.

Political Economy of Globalisation Consider a variety of contemporary issues such as the globalisation of production and finance and the politics of competitiveness and migration, as well as associated issues of cultural and social change.

Theories of International Political Economy You will be intoriduced to the main theoretical approaches to IPE, starting with classical theories of political economy and then the emergence of the orthodox and more radical contemporary theories of IPE.

The Global Consumer Economy Analyse and critically evaluate the pivotal role of the global institution of marketing and the ways in which it amplifies the drivers of, and relaxes the constraints on, abundant spending.

Developing and Managing Projects Consider how projects fit within organisations and how they are developed, funded and managed. You will be introduced to the essential components, including planning, evaluation, ethics and governance issues, and stakeholder engagement.

Research Methods You will also undertake a research methods module before completing a significant piece of independent study on a topic of your choice.

Dissertation Engage in critical depth with a research-based project aligned to your personal interests and professional aspirations.

Professor Ieuan Ellis

Dean, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences

"We have a long history of providing education across a wide range of professional and academic disciplines in health, applied global ethics, social sciences and related subject areas... The Faculty has a number of areas of research excellence."

Ieuan is responsible for the strategic leadership of the Faculty of Health and Social sciences. He is also a member of Academic Board, and an elected staff representative on the Board of Governors. He is also Chair of the UK Council of Deans of Health and Co-chair of the National Allied Health Professions Advisory Board. After practicing as a chartered physiotherapist in the NHS and private sector, Ieuan entered higher education working initially at Northumbria University prior to joining our University. Ieuan has held a number of leadership and management roles across health and social care education and was awarded a personal chair as Professor in Healthcare Education.

[[Facilities] - Library Our libraries are two of the only university libraries in the UK open 24/7 every day of the year. However you like to study, the libraries have got you covered with group study, silent study, extensive e-learning resources and PC suites.

- Clinical Skills Suite The £1 million suite has been designed to meet the learning needs of a range of health professionals, with specialist equipment in purpose-built rooms enabling a variety of sessions to be carried out in a suitable and safe environment.

This programme is for students from all over the world who are interested in the problems, challenges and opportunities presented by globalisation, and for students wanting to gain an advanced knowledge of the theories and practice of international political economy, from a range of different disciplinary and empirical perspectives. .
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This programme is for students from all over the world who are interested in the problems, challenges and opportunities presented by globalisation, and for students wanting to gain an advanced knowledge of the theories and practice of international political economy, from a range of different disciplinary and empirical perspectives.

Course details

The origins, structure and politics of the contemporary global market economy are at the heart of the study of International Political Economy. The global political and economic order is ever-changing under such influences as development, inequality, environmental change and the global economic crisis and recovery.

This programme covers the theoretical foundations of International Political Economy, including the origins, structure and politics of the contemporary global market economy. It also explores changes to the global political and economic order, and a range of issues that are central to the study of contemporary International Political Economy.

It covers:

The theoretical foundations of International Political Economy (IPE)

The origins, structure and politics of the contemporary global market economy

Changes to the global political and economic order

A range of issues central to the study of contemporary IPE, including international economic organisations and regimes

Development

Poverty and inequality

Gender

Environmental sustainability

One of the real strengths of our masters programmes is the wide range of available modules, giving students the ability to tailor their course of study to their own academic interests.

Who is the programme for?

This programme is for students from all over the world who are interested in the problems, challenges and opportunities presented by globalisation, and for students wanting to gain an advanced knowledge of the theories and practice of international political economy, from a range of different disciplinary and empirical perspectives.

Learning and teaching

We advocate an enquiry-based approach to learning, which means that we encourage you to become an independent and self-motivated learner. Through the programme of study we offer, we will develop the qualities that employers value in today's university graduates - qualities that will set you apart in your future career.

To help you develop the above-mentioned skills, we adopt a range of teaching methods. They may include:

Lectures - listening to experts sharing their knowledge and discoveries in challenging and provocative ways. Students are expected to 'read-around' the subject matter of their lectures, adding to their understanding and developing their critical faculties and analytical skills.

Seminars - where you present and discuss your ideas and knowledge in smaller groups and debate interpretations and opinions with other students.

Tutorials - are your opportunity to discuss your work with your tutor, usually in small groups.

Workshops - are problem solving sessions facilitated by a member of academic staff; these sessions usually involve students working in groups.

Our lecturers and tutors will ensure you have all the resources you need to make the transition from A levels to the more rigorous demands of a degree.

Some of these are targeted to help you build skills and experience for your CV, others are more open events designed to expose you to high-level speakers on current debates relevant to all Government and Society students.

Employability

Graduates from the School have gone on to work in a range of careers, with recent graduates working with organisations such as the United Nations, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, local authorities in the UK and overseas and the Department for International Development.

The School takes employability very seriously and as well as linking students to the central careers services, also incorporates opportunities to enhance their employment prospects, including highlighting work experience opportunities, encouraging volunteering in extra-curricular projects (such as student seminars and events) and by inviting backgrounds for students to meet.

The Careers Network provides a dedicated service to help you find work experience or internship opportunities outside of your studies, either part-time during term-time, or over the summer vacation. Right from the start of your degree you will have access to our interactive careers service, through which many regional, national and international employers advertise their vacancies, and your college internship officers will go out and about to find vacancies that will be a useful addition to your CV.

Before the emergence of economics and politics as distinct disciplines, ‘political economy’ was a discipline in itself. There has been a considerable expansion of research across the three PPE disciplines in recent years, resulting in political economy becoming one of the most exciting areas of study and research.
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Before the emergence of economics and politics as distinct disciplines, ‘political economy’ was a discipline in itself. There has been a considerable expansion of research across the three PPE disciplines in recent years, resulting in political economy becoming one of the most exciting areas of study and research.

The flexible structure of this course means it is suitable for a wide range of students with interests in politics and economics.

Course content

You will take the core 20 credit interdisciplinary module 'The PPE of Social Choice', which covers topics such as decision making, rights and justice relating to social choice (broadly interpreted) at an advanced level. This module is jointly taught by members of staff from all three of York's internationally excellent PPE departments.

The 10 credit 'PEP Graduate Skills Workshop' will prepare you for undertaking research, covering areas such as writing research proposals and specific interdisciplinary skills.

You will take one of two 20 credit international political economy modules: either 'Critical Theories of International Political Economy', or 'Contemporary Issues in International Political Economy'.

You will also take one of two 10 credit Economics modules: either 'Applied Microeconomics I', which covers central topics in microeconomics including consumer theory, decision theory, welfare and market equlibrium and efficiency; or 'Economic Analysis for PPE', which provides a non-technical introduction to Economics.

You will take a further 60 credits of taught modules of your choice, from a wide range of options offered by the Politics or Economics departments.

You will also write a 12,000 word dissertation, which is worth 60 credits.

Teaching

Teaching is delivered in two main ways: seminars and lectures. The main focus of your coursework will be your seminar group, normally containing 10-16 students. In seminars you will produce and discuss your own work, under the guidance of a module tutor. Seminars are normally accompanied by lectures, attended by all of the students taking the module.

The School prides itself on the friendliness of its staff and on the support that it provides for its students. Lecturers, seminar tutors and your supervisor will all help you to get the most out of the programme and, in particular, to understand the importance of interdisciplinary study.

Most modules will use the University's virtual learning environment 'Yorkshare', which may be used to access module resources or for more interactive work.

The modular system is based on a notional 40-hour week for each student. The amount of 'contact' time (lectures and seminars) varies depending on the modules you choose. The remaining time will be spent reading, preparing for seminars and essays, analysing ideas and data, making interdisciplinary connections and, of course, thinking.

Assessment

There are three assessment periods during the academic year: week 1 of the Spring term, week 1 of the Summer term and weeks 5-8 of the Summer term. Assessments occur throughout your year of study, usually in the term immediately after the module has been taken. The majority of assessments are either unseen examination papers or essays, which varies depending on which department is running the module. Most Economics modules for example are assessed by exams, but most Politics modules by essays.

You will spend the summer and summer vacation terms working on your dissertation, which will be handed at the end of the summer vacation (mid September).

Reasonable adjustments in assessments will be made for students with disabilities, for example extra time in exams or use of a computer. The School works with the Disability Services team to ensure all students have the support they require.

Careers

The interdisciplinary nature of the School of PEP postgraduate courses means you develop a wide range of transferable skills. Employers value these degrees precisely because they make you think across boundaries and engage critically with a range of different material.

The MA in PPE: Political Economy prepares you for many careers in economics and politics, ranging from finance to international organisations and development. It also provides training for doctoral research in politics.

The careers branch of the Club of PEP, YorkWorks, aims to provide a platform for students to meet with experts and industry insiders to learn about the world of work and find out more about a career path that interests them, for example by organising careers conferences with graduate employers. For further information visit the YorkWorks webpages.

How do global economic and political forces shape the lives and future of citizens, business, and civil society? Of political conflict and government? Your Master programme in Political Economy will teach you to answer these questions.
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How do global economic and political forces shape the lives and future of citizens, business, and civil society? Of political conflict and government? Your Master programme in Political Economy will teach you to answer these questions. The programme covers the ground from ‘economics for non-economists’ to understanding how the ‘rules of the game’ are shaped, to thinking about ‘winners’ and ‘losers’ of an open global economy and how that gives rise to ‘new’ conflicts and to a surge of anti-globalisation political movements. You will in global and comparative terms address the critical issues facing the developed and developing worlds, from Asia to Europe to the Americas - contemporary challenges such as migration, the struggle for development, or better financial market governance.

Our starting point is that the relationship between ‘politics’ and ‘the economy’ is a two-way street: political contestation shapes economic outcomes and their governance, while economic developments generate political conflicts. The causes and consequences of the on-going economic malaise have brought this highly political ‘who-gets-what’ nature of ‘the economy’ back out into the open. We also confront the social dimension of key political challenges by exploring issues such as social inequalities and corporate power so as better to understand how this plays out in different party political or non-democratic environments. These dynamics cut across a rich terrain of contemporary issues and taps into your interest in both the practical and the ‘big issue’ side of global affairs, crossing over with public policy expertise and business strategy, among which:

Powerful emerging economies in Africa and Asia are ‘on the move’, business lobbies push their preferences, and the success of the developing world is a growing challenge to the dominance of the advanced economies in global and regional governance.

Technological change and the Internet revolution are transforming the corporate sector, labour markets, and government. New patterns of mass-elite communication and social movement mobilisation are emerging. The world is a shrinking but more politically contentious place than previously thought.

Citizens feel vulnerable in the face of cross-border trade, investment, financial markets, and labour market risks. Fearing immigration, rising inequalities, and a changing welfare state, many opt for more ‘populist’ political movements of the radical left or right.

Our programme also teaches you that the dynamics of change differ starkly across countries: the hopes of a precarious development process poses challenges to authoritarianism in the developing world, while declining trust in business and political elites undermines ‘mainstream’ politics in established democracies.

Student profile

This track is above all a response to vocal demand from students. It draws on a long political economy tradition at the UvA that is second-to-none in Europe. Those of you with a public policy, comparative politics or international relations background often seek to specialise in the economic policy domain yet outside the confines – often ideologically and methodologically constraining – of traditional approaches in economics and business departments. Many who have taken economics, business, or law seek the way our programme ‘brings politics back in’. Many from the humanities can bring their linguistic, cultural and historical knowledge to the programme’s exploration of political-economic interaction.

Career Prospects

Political Economy taps your interest in issues of practical concern in the economy, business, and policy worlds where expertise leads to elite job opportunities. Above all we help you to think and analyse critically and independently where others merely learn to follow. There is strong demand in the society at large for the training we offer. The programme equips graduates to compete successfully with management, public policy, and economics-trained students for relevant jobs in ministries, think-tanks or consultancy, companies, municipalities, International Organisations, and the media. There is little that a good political economist cannot do. For more information, see the webpage on career prospects.

Why study Political Economy in Amsterdam?

The programme is based at the University of Amsterdam, a major research university, and in one of the highest-ranking departments in continental Europe. The Graduate School of Social Sciences (GSSS) provides a vibrant and international academic community and promotes strong academic and transferable skills development. PE candidates develop a real ‘esprit de corps’ in their year in Amsterdam as we provide you with both academic and professional skills. Our research-oriented MSc in Political Economy taps into your interest in both the practical and the ‘big issue’ side of global affairs, crossing over with public policy expertise and business strategy.

How do markets work and how do they intersect with the institutions and governance that have emerged over time, from the local to the global? What are firms, workers, and governments trying to do as they interact and clash? Why is economic integration in some countries heavily politicized and in other countries accepted as a matter of fact?

What are the responsibilities of rich societies to the poor, to the environment, to future generations? Is the new radicalism of the ‘losers of globalisation’ a revitalisation of or a threat to democracy?

How do the aspirations of ‘ordinary people’ in developed and developing societies fit with the ‘rules of the game’ determined by economic and political elites, and whose interests ought to prevail? Do global markets undermine national democratic choice?

Degree certificate

Political Economy is a track of the accredited degree programme Political Science. After successful completion of this programme, you will receive a legally accredited Master’s degree in Political Science and the title Master of Science (MSc).